Black-crowned Night-Herons to be Studied in Calumet Area

The Illinois Natural History Survey began a study this April under the direction of Jeff Levengood examining the nesting ecology and contaminant exposure of Calumet-area black-crowned night-herons. Research will include a population survey of the night-heron colony, monitoring of selected nests, and collection of fish and other night-heron prey species for contaminants analysis. The project will continue throughout the breeding season. The black-crowned night-heron is endangered in Illinois, and the Calumet region remains one place where this bird continues to breed.

The study will also include a survey of night-heron feeding areas. Night-herons from the Calumet colony forage widely throughout Cook County, Illinois, and Lake County, Indiana, mainly during the evening and twilight hours. Volunteers are needed at various spots to record the location, the number of night-herons and other waders and foragers, the age of the night-herons, and the date and time of the observations. Any related anecdotal information, such as direction of travel and specific behaviors, will be noted, as well as areas of seemingly suitable habitat (ponds, lakes, rivers, swamps, marshes) where night-herons are not seen. Data is needed through August 2002.

Night-herons are primarily nocturnal foragers, so observations from the evening hours will likely be the most valuable, but observations from all times of day are welcome. For more information, and to obtain data sheets, contact Walter Marcisz at WJMarcisz@aol.com.

— Sheryl DeVore